Chainsoo

Chainsoo is a delicacy of Garhwal and is prepared by using black gram daal.
Normally due to the high protein content in this daal it is difficult to digest.
However it is said that the bad effect gets nullified by roasting. Similar
preparation with slight variation is made out of black bhat (a variety of
soyabean), but in that case it is called bhatwani.

Ingredients(serves four)

• Black Gram seeds (Kali Urad whole) – 250
• Oil (preferably mustard old) – 25 gm
• Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves
• Cummin seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper – 4 nos.
• Red chillies whole – 4 to 5
• Asafoetida – a pinch
• Dry coriander powder – 1/2 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tablespoon
• Red chillies powder – 1/2 tablespoon
• Water – 3 cups
• Salt – 1 tablespoon or to taste
• Garam masala -1/2 tablespoon

Preparation

• Place an iron frying pan (kadhai) on a moderate flame. put sabut urad
  (black gram) in it and roast it without oil for about 3 to 5 minutes or till
  the pleasant aroma of roasted seeds comes. do not over cook it. take
  off the flame. grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder.
• Heat oil in the kadahi and add garlic cloves. when the garlic turns light
  brown, add cumin seeds, red chillies, black pepper and heeng
  (asafoetida)
• Immediately add the dal powder and fry it for 1-2 minute or so. Add
  turmeric powder, dry coriander powder, red chillies powder, salt and
  water. Bring it to boil.
• Cover and cook till the dal becomes very soft. Simmer for 20-30
  minutes. Before taking off the heat, sprinkle garam masala over
  chainsoo.

Garnish

Garnish with pure ghee and chopped coriander leaves. Serve with hot steamed
rice.